"There is no second chance on somebody’s wedding day – it has to be perfect." Sue Ashton, Owner, Suncoast Weddings

What is your current title and how long have you been in this role?"I have been the owner of Suncoast Weddings for almost 9 years. As a small business owner, at some point I have been involved in every single aspect of the business. I wouldn’t have had it any other way as it gives me total understanding of each part of the job that I might ask a member of our team to handle." - Sue Ashton, Owner, Suncoast Weddings

Can you explain how and why you ended up owning this business?"Prior to Suncoast Weddings, I had a 20-year-career working in the press operations field at major sports events all over the world. This included five Olympic Games, Soccer World Cups, Ryder Cup Golf and a multitude of other major sports events. My role involved the very detailed planning and operation of media facilities. I was ready to put down some roots in Florida and had always wanted to run my own business. One side of me is a pure romantic and the other side is the methodical, details, logical, problem solving planner. Suncoast Weddings became by baby and is the perfect fit!"

What was your passion or greatest motivator?"Wedding planning is not for the faint-hearted! There is no second chance on somebody’s wedding day – it has to be perfect. But there’s a huge adrenaline rush in knowing that you made dreams come to life for that bride and groom. It’s been a long day, you’re exhausted beyond belief, you zapped and kapowed any potential issues (yes ‘stuff’ happens), yet you pulled it off-and you can’t wait to do it all over again."

What would you say your business is most known for?"After almost 2000 weddings, I think I can speak from experience when I say that no two couples are alike. There is no question that we will go the extra mile to give each wedding the individual attention that it deserves. I’m often asked what is the one piece of advice I would give a couple? That’s easy “it’s all about you” No coincidence that that is also our tagline."

What has been your proudest moment within this business?"There have been so many moments when I was I was bursting with pride but I think what I’m most proud of is the way the business has grown in view of the fact that we don’t get repeat business and we don’t keep our customers!""And in this day and age of social media and online reviews – we are over the moon with our high ratings. It takes a lot for someone to trust you with one of the biggest days of their lives often when they’re thousands of miles away… so a good social media presence is so important."

"But to top that, I’d like to give a shout out to our Suncoast Weddings team, many of whom have been with me from the beginning and without them none of this would be possible. And it’s for them that I have the utmost respect and pride."

"Starting his own content creation company only made sense, and it’s proven to be the right decision!" Kelli Caputo, COO, Caputo Creative

​What is your current title and how long have you been in this role?CEO – LOU CAPUTO, 15 yearsCOO – KELLI CAPUTO, 2 years

Can you explain how and why you ended up owning this business?"Necessity is the mother of invention. So, when Lou left a career at HSN, he needed something to do! Seriously though, after leaving HSN, Lou had a desire to work for himself, AND get back to his roots in TV production. Starting his own content creation company only made sense, and it’s proven to be the right decision. 15 years later, not only is he still running Caputo Creative, but he’s back on HSN as their top Home Solutions expert. Kelli began her broadcast career at HSN as well and moved into Public Relations and Marketing roles in the nonprofit sector before getting back to her production roots at C2."

What was your passion or greatest motivator?"Lou has always been a storyteller, and at the end of the day, that’s what a good TV producer is deep down. That’s why Caputo Creative is client focused, because it’s the client’s stories we’re telling. We stay on top of technology to offer the best quality video and digital media to clients. C2 prides itself on being able to bring affordable alternatives to all size businesses to help promote their product and services."

What would you say your business is most known for?"Bang for the buck. Owning all of the latest gadgets, we’re not afraid to use them if it’ll make a client’s piece look better. Being that both Lou and Kelli come from a background of product and retail videos, we’re known for our expertise in that arena. But small to medium business promotions, real estate previews, and hotel marketing have all become significant parts of the C2 portfolio."

What has been your proudest moment within this business?"Being able to give back to the nonprofit sectors and promoting their missions to the community. Also, being recognized with various industry awards for the production values that C2 provides to its clients. Of course, the 2016 Awesome Office Tradition Award from the TBBCoC for our Beer Friday fun is a proud moment! "​

Combining Florida’s endless sunshine, its array of sun-kissed beaches and variety of thrilling water sports that can be enjoyed throughout the year, the Sunshine State creates the perfect recipe for a fun-filled family vacation. Rather than picking a hotel without any amenities that cater to kids, some of the greatest values for families can be found at one of the state’s resorts, which offer kid-friendly perks and exciting facilities the entire family can appreciate. Whether you’re close to the theme parks, have access to a thrilling on-site water park, can join kid-friendly kids’ programs or are spoiled for choice with Florida’s outdoor adventures, these are the best family-friendly resorts in Florida.

We are excited to announce that 2 of our Chamber's members have been added to the list!

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Clearwater Beach(Prices & Photos)​Overlooking Clearwater Beach, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a stunning property on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With 250 rooms, guests will find world-class amenities with attentive service. A favorite with families, the hotel is packed with an array of amenities that include an eighth-floor pool deck, excellent on-site restaurant and private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. After a day of enjoying the beach activities nearby, such as sailing, snorkeling and catamaran rides, an on-site spa offers parents relaxing facials and body scrubs, while the kids can join the resort’s variety of recreational activities and fun at the kids’ camp.

TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach (Prices & Photos)Located on St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort boasts 584 rooms spread across its sprawling property. One of the largest hotels in the area, guests will find a palm tree-lined lobby and beautiful outdoor pond with covered walkways. Nestled on 20 picturesque acres of beachfront property, families will be delighted to discover the resort’s array of water sports available. The highlight of the property for many guests is the giant 60-foot blow-up-slide on the beach and the 15,750-square-foot Splash Island Water Park that floats in the ocean. In addition to a family-friendly pool, guests can find many water sports rentals to enjoy such as paddle boards, wave runners and jetpacks along the resort’s gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach.

"Simple. A love of people and wines."- Jim Valenty, Co-Owner, Pasadena Liquors

​​What is your current title and how long have you been in this role?"This has been a family business since 1980... I've been the co-owner ever since."

What was your passion or greatest motivator?"Simple. A love of people and wines."

What would you say your business is most known for?"Customer service to the consumer and community, as well as, a great selection of wines and spirits."

What has been your proudest moment within this business?"Being recognized as a business that works for the needs of children's organizations, like All Children's Hospital, Suncoast Voices, Heart Gallery, Lift Academy, Alpha House and many others."​

​What is your current title and how long have you been in this role?"Kym Brosan Owner/ Stylist Beach Hair Affair. April 1, 2017 will be our 4 year anniversary."

Can you explain how and why you ended up owning this business? "My dream for years has always been to own a hair salon. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 30 years. I had looked for years to try and find just the right place. I was told by one of my friends that Pat Street, the previous owner for over 20 years, was interested in selling her business. I approved her and a deal was worked for me to but her name, phone number and location. On April 1st 2013, I took over the salon from her."

What was your passion or greatest motivator? "I love to make people feel good about themselves. It has been my passion to do hair from the time I was able to hold a blow dryer. I can’t believe that it has been almost 4 years from the time I took over this salon."

What would you say your business is most known for? "The salon atmosphere is like a day at the beach. When you go home from our salon you feel relaxed and glowing, you will walk around with true radiance around you. You will leave the demands of your busy life behind. Corey Avenue has the atmosphere to project the salon for this creation. The Florida look for men and women is why we live here. "

What has been your proudest moment within this business? "I have been proud to have increased the business at Beach Hair Affair to be the place that beach people come to. I love to hear that my clients recommend us to everyone they know and enjoy coming here so much they just can’t wait for their next visit. "